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Parents' group calls for 'truce' between government and BCTF

The organization representing public school parent advisory councils is calling for an immediate end to the teacher strike and lockout out of concern for students and families.

BC Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils (BCCPAC) president Terry Berting stated in a press release that the "feud" between the BC Teachers' Federation and the government is having a detrimental effect on students, particularly those most vulnerable, and creating financial hardship for struggling families.

The parent group is also concerned about the cancellation of extra-curricular activities, end-of-year celebrations and sporting events in some schools, and is urging the government and the BCTF to concentrate their energies on achieving a new collective agreement.

“Successful outcomes for all students — not just those graduating from Grade 12 — are being affected by this labour dispute,” Berting stated. “This has got to stop.”

Parents are also encouraged to write to Education Minister Peter Fassbender and BCTF president Jim Iker explaining how the rotating strikes and lockout are affecting families.

dstrandberg@tricitynews.com

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